Practice report: Aug. 3

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- After roughly three months of waiting, the Crimson Tide were back on the practice field for the start of preseason camp on Friday morning. Veterans took the field in the morning and the younger players at night.

As previously reported, Duron Carter is no longer with the team. He is not in the official media guide but the university has not released an official statement yet.

Now that we have that small bit of housekeeping out of the way, here are a few observations from the morning practice:

Eddie Lacy looked to be back to his normal self, making all the cuts after offseason surgery kept him out of spring practice. The presumptive starter at running back didn't look hindered by a foot problem that bothered him throughout last season.

D.J. Fluker is in much better shape than he was toward the end of last season and during spring practice. He looks to have trimmed his waistline significantly, shedding some much-needed pounds. That will help him both in athleticism, going up against speed-rushers, and also in the injury department, alleviating some of the wear and tear caused by extra pounds.